1 Corinthians 9:10

Authorized King James Version

Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

δι'

G1223

For

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἡμᾶς

G2248

our

πάντως

G3843

it altogether

entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event

λέγει

G3004

saith he

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δι'

G1223

For

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἡμᾶς

G2248

our

γὰρ

G1063

no doubt

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐγράφη

G1125

this is written

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

#10

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#11

ἐπ'

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#12

ἐλπίδι

G1680

hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#13

ὀφείλει

G3784

should

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

#14

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

ἀροτριᾶν

G722

he that ploweth

to plow

#16

ἀροτριᾶν

G722

he that ploweth

to plow

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

ἀλοῶν

G248

that he that thresheth

to tread out grain

#20

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

ἐλπίδι

G1680

hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#22

αὐτοῦ

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#23

μετέχειν

G3348

should be partaker

to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)

#24

ἐπ'

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#25

ἐλπίδι

G1680

hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of hope reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood hope. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on hope address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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